Steering Drag Link If drag link had been welded due to V06 recall repair and there is an alignment concern, prior to drag link replacement ensure that the welded draglink toe setting procedure has been followed first. ~ ~ Service Library: 02 - Front Suspension / Wheel Alignment / Standard Procedure / TOE SETTING PROCEDURE FOR TRUCKS WITH DRAG LINK RECALL WELD ~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 RAM 3500 steering problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
1fire
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 9 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** Wireless connectivity pairing and/or connection issues. Lost radio presets. Radio channels change by itself. SXMT icon inoperative. SXMT favorite song not displaying/playing. High pitch squeal, pop or hum noise from speakers. Anti-theft code request message. Lines appear across screen. Radio will not switch modes between AM, FM, SAT or Media. Performance control home
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. ? Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** ? Intermittent, black radio display screen (Rear View Camera (RVC) not affected). ? Intermittent, radio freezes (RVC not affected). ? Wireless connectivity pairing and/or connection issues. ? Lost radio presets. ? Radio channels change by itself. ? SXMT icon inoperative. ? SXMT favorite song not displaying/playing. ? Incorrect navigation address/location/directi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software level to 39.6 Customers may experience one or more of the following: Intermittent, black radio display screen. Intermittent, radio freezes. Bluetooth® pairing and/or connection issues. Lost radio presets. Radio channels change by itself. SXM icon inoperative. USB hub inoperable. Heated steering wheel inoperable. SXM favorite song not displaying/playing. High pitch chime noise. Contact list not loading. Device not supported message. Remote app inoperable. Travel-link fuel price incorrect. Navigation displays incorrect location. Backup camera grid lines missing. Unable to adjust volume
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Click Or Pop From Drag Link
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 RAM 3500 steering complaints center on two main problems: the drag link adjuster sleeve coming loose or separating (triggering Recall V06 in early 2019), and broader steering control failures that dealers link to the same recall or related linkage issues.
Recall V06's interim fix—welding the adjuster sleeve jam nuts solid—creates a persistent headache: owners can't adjust the steering for alignment without grinding off the welds first, then rewelding at their own expense (~$159 for unweld/reweld). A replacement sleeve reportedly costs $400 and a full drag link replacement runs $2,500+. Multiple owners document that alignment shops receive Chrysler memos forbidding them to cut the welds, leaving customers stuck.
Beyond the recall, owners describe sudden steering wheel unresponsiveness at 50–70 mph, violent shuddering and vibration (called "death wobble") when hitting bumps on curves, and loss of directional control. One owner's truck tumbled off a mountainside cliff at low speed; another experienced a front wheel assembly separation while towing on the interstate. Several dealers told owners they lacked tools or capability to perform the recall work, and one owner waited months for recall appointment availability.
ABS system failures are also documented—warning lights, lost traction control, and pump/module failures quoted at $1,600 with no recall coverage. Dealers consistently state these are not recalls.
Same RAM 3500 steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Drag Link Adjuster Sleeve Loosening/Separation
The drag link adjuster sleeve fasteners loosen or come apart, resulting in steering play and potential linkage failure. Recall V06 (NHTSA 19V021000) addressed this via welding, but owners report the weld fix is inadequate and prevents future alignment adjustments.
When: Various mileages, some early (4,000–29,000 miles), ongoing with age
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive free play in steering wheel; Steering wheel not centered; Steering linkage inspection marks on wrong side after repair; Inability to adjust steering wheel after alignment; Tie rod end ball socket separated from knuckle due to metal crack
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V021000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall V06 calls for welding the adjuster sleeve jam nuts; owners report the weld must be ground off for alignments, then rewelded at ~$159 owner cost. A replacement adjuster sleeve reportedly available for ~$400. Replacement drag link quoted over $2,500 by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V06 (19V021000) issued January 2019; interim remedy is welding. Chrysler stated replacement parts would be available mid-December 2019. Dealer capability and parts distribution issues documented. Some dealers declined to perform the weld repair due to lack of tools/equipment.
Steering Wheel Unresponsiveness / Loss of Control
Steering wheel suddenly becomes unresponsive or fails to provide directional control during normal driving, including highway speeds and turns. Several owners report sudden loss of steering control at 50–70 mph.
When: 4,000–102,000 miles; at least one incident at 5 mph on mountainside
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel fails to respond at highway speeds (55–70 mph); Sudden loss of directional control; Steering wheel 'light' and oversteering in corners; Inability to complete turns; Loss of control on bridges and curves
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V021000, NHTSA Campaign 18E096000
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required tow to dealer; another required drag link replacement (not completed). One instance resulted in vehicle tumbling off cliff; vehicle destroyed, no dealer diagnosis performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V021000 and 18E096000 cited; manufacturer opened cases but some owners report no assistance provided.
Death Wobble / Violent Steering Vibration on Bumps
Vehicle shakes, shudders, or vibrates violently when hitting bumps or uneven pavement above 50 mph, particularly on curves or alternating wheel impacts. Owner describes as 'death wobble' with almost total loss of control.
When: 16,000–100,100 miles; one instance at 8,000 miles after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering and vibration at 50+ mph over bumps; Uncontrollable bouncing and vibration; Steering wheel vibrating uncontrollably; Loss of steering control until vehicle slowed to 30 mph; Occurs on curves and alternating wheel impacts; loaded or unloaded; Steering warning light illuminated in some cases
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V021000
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle taken to multiple shops; no problem found on first attempt. Another required steering linkage replacement (not completed). One instance: tire replacement, alignment, and drag link adjustment performed but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V021000 cited; dealer and manufacturer contacted; no further assistance provided in some cases.
Wheel Stud / Front Wheel Assembly Failure
Front wheel studs break or front wheel assembly separates from vehicle, typically during highway driving or towing. One owner reports driver-side wheel assembly broke off at studs while towing and struck an oncoming vehicle.
When: Not specified mileage; one instance while towing on interstate
Symptoms owners cite: Front end shuddered before wheel separation; Front wheel assembly broke at wheel studs; Passenger-side tie rod end ball socket separated due to metal crack
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in wheel striking oncoming vehicle (reportedly totaled); insurance approved repair. Owner has pictures of broken studs.
ABS System Intermittent Failure
ABS warning light illuminates intermittently, system loses function, and traction control becomes unavailable. One owner links tire wear to inability to perform proper alignment due to welded steering components.
When: 15,000–unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light comes on and off; Loss of ABS function; Traction control disabled; Cruise control will not function when ABS light on; Front tire wear accelerated
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted $1,600 for ABS module and pump replacement. Another owner reports ABS pump failure and notes multiple owners report same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated not a recall; owners must pay out of pocket.
Steering Unintended Drift / Pull to One Side
Vehicle steers unintentionally to one side while driving straight on highway, requiring driver to hold steering wheel at angle to maintain lane position.
When: 102,000 miles (one documented case)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unintendedly steers to the right at 60 mph; Requires driver to hold steering wheel at 10–11 o'clock position to keep vehicle aligned; Failure persists despite steering input
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer and local mechanic; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no mention of recall applicability.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2018 RAM 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2018 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,000 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 17,640. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/3500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.